This February, the eyes of the world will be fixed on one place. Our attention is riveted as competitors descend from all over the globe, bringing years of training to bear in a crescendo of skill and daring. Bitter rivals will bear their talons at one another. New heroes will storm onto the scene as old veterans (might very well) fade into oblivion. We’re talking of course about – Paris Fashion Week– where Olympians of style go head to head on fashion’s most colossal of catwalks.
While everyone waits with baited breath to see how Louis Vuitton will fare without artistic director Marc Jacobs (one of the great upheavals in fashion last year) we here at Time & Place have designed our own custom line. We’ve put together a fashion-themed Paris itinerary so fabulous that fashionistas everywhere will be tossing over their Manolo Blahniks just for a shot at it:
Pierre Berge – Yves Saint Laurent Foundation, Private Visit:
Haute Couture operations at Yves Saint Laurent ceased in October 2002 but don’t fret – you can still get up close and personal with the iconic brand. The Pierre Bergé-Yves Saint Laurent Foundation offers private guided tours where visitors can bear witness to a tremendous collection covering 40 years of YSL’s creative ingenuity. One of the foundation’s main missions is to conserve the 5,000 Haute Couture garments, 15,000 Haute Couture accessories and more than 50,000 drawings and assorted objects that are testament to the fashion juggernaut’s history. Climb from the basement to the top floor and take in Yves Saint Laurent’s garment archives, restoration workshop and more. You’ll also get to read annotations of sketches that YSL made for the workshop. Though never far from the mind of fashion fans, a new documentary of the late Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Berge is shining new light on one of the most fascinating relationships in fashion history. Check out the film before taking the tour to gain more insight on the fashion house that’s credited with inventing the modern woman’s wardrobe.
Fashion & Trends Consultation and Walk:
It’s easy to tell what’s hot and what’s not, but how about what’s next? This tour provides you with your own personal style consultant who can help answer all three of those questions. You can choose to get the scoop and stay a step ahead of your friends by discovering the trends of tomorrow, or s/he can give you an insider’s runway review of the major international fashion houses and what’s trending right now. There’s also a personalized fashion workshop where you’ll learn how to switch up your personal wardrobe and take your style in a new direction. After that, join the style consultant for a stroll through concept stores and couture boutiques including L’Eclaireur, Maria Luisa, Colette, Vuitton, Lanvin, Chanel, Dior …. the list goes on. And did we mention that all this will take place after you’ve had an amazing breakfast to start everything off? Bon appetite, indeed!
Salons Haute Couture & Fashion Luxury Boutiques, Private Visit or Reception:
One thing is a must-do when booking private tours of the Parisian Haute Couture firms: we will make sure to schedule your visit during a time when the workshops are accessible. That’s when you will get a peek of these authentic, wearable works of art being created right before your eyes. A personal host will guide you through the private salons where you’ll take in couture in all its glory: dresses, flower bloom corsets in hand-painted satin organza; or macramé with multicolored raffia tops. Learn how these intricate garments are made. From embroidery techniques to the delicate art of draping, you will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the art of Haute Couture.
La Maison Vuitton on the Champs Elysées:
Few names are more synonymous with fashion than Louis Vuitton. Brand fans are in for the model treatment when they visit to the LV’s flagship store: La Maison Vuitton on the Champs Elysées . The “La Maison” designation means it carries the entire Louis Vuitton collection and each of the stores, which are located throughout the world, are one-of-a-kind. The Paris location melds art and fashion in the most delectable ways. From the beautiful forms to the metal window coverings that re-create the monogram print on the floor in patterns of light, the attention to detail throughout the shop is impeccable. Though private tours are not available, we’ll make sure you arrive before the doors open to get a more exclusive feel and experience. There’s so much more to do here than just shop. Not only does the location boast an art gallery, but the store itself is a work of art, constructed as a spiral with the 20-meter atrium in the center. And be sure to leave time for a trip to the top of the building for a breathtaking panoramic view. It’s a landmark year for Louis Vuitton as this is the first collection under new creative director Nicolas Ghesquière following Marc Jacobs’ departure after 16 years.
Private Shopping with a Paris Personal Shopper:
Shopping with a friend is always fun, but this activity takes it up a serious notch by providing you with personal shoppers trained by the most famous fashion houses. They will take you on a tailored trip, to help you find – not just a new wardrobe – but a whole new you. Wind through Paris’ best fashion houses selecting pieces that suit your taste. Whether you’re into uber-chic or a bit more eclectic, your personal consultant will help you find the perfect pieces for you. After all, the world’s a runway – especially during Paris Fashion Week!
Sasha is the Paris concierge for Time & Place , recently chosen as a top five global villa rental company by Travel+Leisure magazine .
